telefono
/teˈlɛ.fo.no/
The Italian word for phone is telefono.
telefono is the general noun used to refer to a telephone. You can use the phrase al telefono to describe someone who is currently on the phone.
Meaning: to call (someone) on the telephone (verb)
Which one should you use?
While telefono is the general term, you can be more specific: use telefono cellulare or simply cellulare for a mobile phone and telefono fisso for a landline phone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of calling someone, use the verb telefonare. Note that when using this verb, you must use the preposition a before the person being called. Additionally, the noun fono refers specifically to a speech segment.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /teˈlɛ.fo.no/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the verb telefonare to mean 'to call (someone)', remember to include the preposition a before the person you are calling.
Did you know?
- The root fono in telefono is shared with sinfonia, creating a linguistic link between the device used for calling and the concept of harmony.
- While telefonare is the standard verb, Italians often use the verb chiamare, meaning 'to call', to describe making a phone call.
- The word fono is not just a shorthand for 'phone' but is a technical linguistic term used to describe a single unit of sound in phonology.
Examples in context
- Tom è al telefono.Tom is on the phone.Tatoeba #1267807 by Guybrush88, translation #1164508 by CK
- Tu hai un telefono?Do you have a phone?This sentence asks if someone possesses a telefono.Tatoeba #2022797 by Guybrush88, translation #1886103 by CK
- È solo un telefono.It's just a phone.This sentence identifies an object as a telefono.Tatoeba #4504465 by Guybrush88, translation #4502558 by CK
- Il mio telefono cellulare è molto utileMy mobile phone is very useful
- Per favore, chiamami sul telefono fissoPlease call me on the landline.
- Ho dimenticato il cellulare a casaI forgot my phone at home
- Ho ricevuto una chiamata sul telefonoI received a call on the phone.
- Mi piace il tuo telefono mobileI like your mobile phone
- Sono così felice del mio nuovo telefono!I'm so happy about my new phone!
- Posso usare il tuo telefono?Can I use your phone?
- 1224 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are at home in the afternoon.
- ChiaraFrancesco, mi telefoni più tardi?Francesco, will you phone me later?
- FrancescoSì, ti telefono stasera.Yes, I will phone you this evening.
- ChiaraVa bene, aspetto la tua chiamata.Okay, I will wait for your call.
- FrancescoPromesso, a dopo!I promise, see you later!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry telefono, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
